The Best Probiotic Strains for Weight Loss, Gas, Diarrhea and More

Probiotics consist of hundreds of different species and strains, making it difficult to know which probiotic strain will best meet an individual’s needs.

One person may be experiencing antibiotic-related diarrhea, while another person is dealing with bloating and gas.

And, although some probiotics may be able to help with many different symptoms and disorders, the odds are that there is a particular species or strain which is demonstrated to be more effective than another strain when tackling specific symptoms.

There are many types of probiotic bacteria, but they generally fall into one of two different genuses: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which is sometimes referred to as Bifidus. Each of these genuses contains many different species of bacteria.

For example: Lactobacillus is composed of over thirty species of bacteria which are known to have some kind of probiotic effect on mammals.

Some of these species have become popular because of commonly used probiotic food products like yogurt and milk. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a good example of this, with acidophilus being the bacterial species.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Probiotic Strains

First is genus, such as Bifidobacterium. Then there’s species like Bifidobacterium infantis.

Then comes strain, such as Bifidobacterium infantis 35624, which is a particular strain of bacteria known for its demonstrated abilities for relieving symptoms frequently occurring with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), gas, constipation and diarrhea.

Another widely studied strain of the same species is Bifidus infantis ATTC 15697.

Which is the best strain for humans to use to address health concerns?

There isn’t a singular “Best Probiotic Strain” because probiotics have so many varied functions and the thousands of different strains have different properties and targets. It is possible, however, to ascertain from clinical evidence, the “Best Strains” for use with specific symptoms or disorders.

Best Probiotic for Allergies: Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG

A double-blind, placebo controlled study in Finland followed 132 infants who were considered to be high risk for developing eczema. Over the first six months of their lives, half of the infants were given a placebo while the other half was given supplements of L. Rhamnosus GG.

Follow-up at age two revealed a 50% drop in recurrent atopic eczema in the infants who had received the probiotic. At age 4, the results remained constant.

Although other allergies did not seem to be affected, there are ongoing studies at the NIH with this particular strain to determine if it is a useful inhibitor of other allergic responses.

Best Strain for Immune Function: Bacillus Coagulans

There are a few excellent blends on the market to support and promote good immune function, each with its own loyal following.

Narrowing these down to a specific strain which has empirical data supporting the effect on immune function, Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, PTA-6086 appears to be a worthy candidate. In studies, these bacteria increased T-cell production of TNF-alpha in healthy adults who had been exposed to the flu virus.

TNF-alpha is a key immune system marker of immune system activity. This study demonstrates that this strain of bacteria may be especially beneficial because of its capacity at increasing immune response against very common viruses and flues.

Again, ongoing research will be able to tell more in the future.

Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Bifidobacterium infantis

This strain of Bifidus is found in the probiotic product Align , manufactured by the corporate giant, Proctor and Gamble.

This bacterial species is also referred to by the name given it by P&G, B. infantis. It is said to be a pure-strain probiotic./span>

Of all the studies done demonstrating a significant beneficial effect on symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, this strain has impressive empirical data to support its claims. There may also be implications for weight loss, though additional research is required.

A valid placebo controlled study using B. infantis 35624 showed “superior efficacy to the placebo for the primary outcome measure of abdominal pain/discomfort as well as for secondary measures including bloating/distention, incomplete evacuation, straining and passage of gas.”

It should be noted that patients diagnosed with IBS have reported good results with a few other strains of Bifidobacterium infantis, but until rigorously controlled studies are completed to support their efficacy, Align with B. infantis 35624 continues to be the strain of choice.

Which is the Best Probiotic Product?

Probiotics come in all shapes and sizes. It is important to select the right strain which can address the specific symptoms being experienced by the individual.

Some strains of probiotics are able to be stored on a shelf, while others must be kept refrigerated in order to remain viable. Usually, those strains which have been previously freeze-dried are able to remain shelf-stable up to the expiration date which is typically 1-2 years from the date of manufacture.

Read the label to determine the species and strain of probiotic contained in any product.

The best probiotic strain is likely to vary from person to person, just as digestive problems vary in individuals. Choose the best probiotic strain for the problem you are experiencing.

In many cases, the best option will be to purchase a multi-strain probiotic supplement that gives you several different species of positive bacteria to properly balance the microflora population in your gut.

The strains mentioned in this article are considered generally safe, but those with weakened immune systems, or individuals taking immunosuppressive drugs, should not take probiotics unless under the direction of their physician.

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